New York Jets: Brandon Marshall, Damon Harrison and Free Agency Notes

Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver

Brandon Marshall

(15) before the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

First Down –

The Jets traded for Bears WR Brandon Marshall this week, prompting all types of backlash and Jets management chastising. Clearly it was a surprising trade to say the least, but of course I think it’s one that will elevate the effectiveness of the Jets passing game for more than one reason. I think Marshall has always added a dimension to his respective team’s passing attack in that he’s a WR that you do have to account for at all times. He has deep, sneaky speed that allows him to get open in the secondary and he makes as tough a catch as any physical WR in the league right now. At age 30, I’m in no way concerned about his age as he has shown over the past two years, he still has tons left in the tank.

The Jets traded a fifth round pick to Chicago for the potential services of one Brandon Marshall – a steal in my opinion, but “fair” value for all intents and purposes. Last season, the Jets “primary” WR was Eric Decker. For the most part, and considering the inconsistencies at the QB position, I’d say Decker not only held is own in that “primary” role, but he showed glimpses of what he can do and how effective he can be with just even solid QB play. Now imagine, if you will, the thought of Eric Decker facing the opposing team’s #2 or Nickel CB and not their #1? That thought is one that should make any Jets fan slightly giddy.

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Yes, QB “issues” continue to plague this team and this is something that the Jets new management will have to address before the season starts, but you have to applaud the Jets front office for upgrading the WR position the first chance they got. If it was me and the season started right now and the Jets didn’t draft/add another WR to the corp, I would put Marshall and Kerley on the outside and allow Decker to roam in the slot. Decker is a very talented and gifted route runner that would excel in that position, allowing Marshall, Kerley and Amaro to see typically off, soft or man coverage for the most part.

We’ll see if the Jets add other pieces or have bigger roles for roster occupiers like WR Chris Owusu and Shaq Evans, but the Jets WR corp is already better than the last two seasons and no free agents or draft picks have been added yet.

Next: Second Down

Nov 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New York Jets nose tackle

Damon Harrison

(94) against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Second Down –

Former undrafted defensive tackle Damon Harrison was hit with a second round tender by the Jets – meaning another team can sign Harrison and if the Jets choose not to match what said team is offering, Snacks would be gone. I’ve always loved Snacks and would love to see the Jets match any offer any team puts in for him. Having said that, I’m slightly torn on the issue as I want to see Snacks take that next jump in his career and it’s not only possible, but likely that any team willing to part ways with a second round pick for Harrison is likely planning to start him on their defense, as they should.

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Harrison has developed into an effective run stuffing, hole plugging defensive tackle that is ready to anchor someone’s defense. He’s gotten stronger over the past two seasons, he’s as sure handed a tackler as there is on this Jets team and applies consistent pressure on every down. When watching him on film you see that for a big man, he’s in really good shape and doesn’t tire easily, which is great for wearing down o-lines late in games.

I’m without a doubt a Snacks fan, and as a fan, I want to see him stay, but I know it’d probably be best for him and his career if he gets a chance to anchor a defense and move to that next level in his career.

Next: Third Down

Third Down –

Another off-season, another desperate search for the Jets as they are once again in the market for a backup/veteran QB. The Jets have been striking out in that field the past few years and I don’t think this off-season they’ll get any luckier. As I stated before, as of right now I see Geno being the opening day starter for this Jets team and it’s hard to see that changing. As of now, the only way I see Geno being unseated is if the Jets trade for a QB. Even if they draft Marcus Mariota, I don’t see Mariota beating Geno out in a fair competition, especially if the Jets offensive coordinator truly implements the spread offense, an offense that Geno had success with at West Virginia.

In my opinion – two viable veteran/backup options for the Jets at this point:

Nick Foles – Looked pretty good leading an Eagles team, but before getting injured, started to cool off a bit. Reports had it that he was actually healthy enough to return to action but Eagles head coach Chip Kelly stayed with the backup option/hot hand in Mark Sanchez. Foles has experience in the spread offense in college and the pros so he’s the ideal candidate.

Ryan Fitzpatrick – Looked solid in pickup action in Houston last season. He has experience in the spread offense and was the QB for the Chan Gailey coached Bills team a few years ago so the familiarity is certainly there. I would rather Foles than Fitzpatrick but Fitz is as good a vet/backup option for this Jets team as there is available at this point now.

Next: Fourth Down

Dec 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback

Darrelle Revis

(24) gestures after the Patriots beat the San Diego Chargers 23-14 at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Fourth Down –

As far as the Jets secondary is concerned, I would definitely love to see Darrelle Revis back, but I’m not willing to miss out on other potential solid CB options while chasing after or waiting on Darrelle Revis. I would assume that the Jets are in negotiations with more than one secondary option at this point, but would prefer Darrelle.

Two options that I would love to see the Jets go after are former Jets CB Antonio Cromartie and/or 49ers FA CB Chris Culliver. Both are solid/good secondary options and immediately upgrade this Jets secondary (not too hard to do that considering how dreadful it was last year) and strengthen the CB depth on this team that much more. I would prefer the Jets go after two solid CB options, but feel as though they need to come out of free agency with at least one. Either one of the aformentioned CBs would suffice in that case.

Next: Potential Free Agent: Cary Williams

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